Rose Care

The rose has been a favourite garden plant for centuries. They are hardy, easy to grow and come in an abundance of colours. They complement all gardens from the most modern to traditional country styles.

Wombat Gully Plant Farm Geelong takes pride in its extensive year round supply of roses including standards, bush, climbers, weeping and ground covers. Roses are easy to care for with some main points to consider:

Planting

See the Planting Fact Sheet for more information

Staking

Standard roses must be staked to support the weight of the head. A strong timber stake is required to give the plant the assistance it needs to withstand strong winds. The plant should be held to the stake with a soft flexible tie such a Jolly Tie. A flexible tie is of utmost importance to stop damage to the plant as it grows.

When purchasing stakes, remember to allow sufficient height in the stake so the top of the stake finishes above the graft/s, yet is in the ground far enough to support the weight of the head.

Weeping roses need a pole and ring to support the large head that will develop over time.

Watering

Roses are a dry tolerant plant, but to keep them at their best they should be watered well over the hotter months, especially when in flower. Never water the foliage, as this will encourage fungal problems to form and spread. Mulching your rose/s will help retain moisture.

Pruning

Can appear complex, but is quite simple if you follow a couple of rules:

Remove any damaged parts

Remove any growth that comes from below the graft/s. These are suckers and will take away nutrients from the grafted part of the rose. If ignored they will overcome your plant.

Remove branches that cross over and rub.

Open up the centre to create a shape that resembles a vase. This will increase airflow through the plant, helping to reduce pest and disease problems.

You can do this by cutting to an outside bud to encourage outward growth

To encourage repeat flowering, prune any spent flower heads.

Summer Pruning
To encourage a heavy flush of roses in Autumn, simply prune all the stems as though you were cutting them for a vase arrangement, then feed the newly pruned plant. Come in and see us for more detailed information and a demonstration.

Feeding

Use a slow release fertiliser after planting. Feed after pruning and again before new growth takes off in early Spring. Organic Life Slow Release Pellets Osmocote® Controlled Release Plant Food

Organic Life

Osmocote

Slow Release Pellets®

Controlled Release Plant Food

Apply fertiliser by scattering evenly around the base of plants and gently rake into the soil. Follow up with a deep soaking. Remember to avoid wetting the foliage.

Common Problems

Most rose diseases are easily cured by an all-purpose rose spray which will commonly include an insecticide and fungicide combined.